Gohan's Dilemma

The forest vibrated with the force of the three dueling titans. Gohan attempted to dodge as both Piccolo and Goku attacked him. Even though they were simply training, Gohan knew those blows could do some real damage and was reacting as fast as he could. But today he was slower than usual and Goku's fist connected and Gohan was sent flying right into a tree.

"Come on son" Goku said "You can do better than that."

Gohan responded with a sneeze and Goku laughed. "We've been training pretty hard, maybe it's time for a lunch break."

Piccolo rolled his eyes and said "Goku we take enough breaks, let's keep training." Before either Sayian could answer, Piccolo's stomach growled. "Alright let's eat" he mumbled. In truth Namekian's could survive on water alone but Piccolo had never lost the habit of eating.

The three warriors sat in a circle and ate their pre-packed lunches. Gohan sneezed several more times throughout the meal and he shivered slightly. Goku noticed and asked "What's wrong? You're not sick are you?"

"What? No, it's just allergies."

"Let's hope so" Piccolo grunted "We don't have forever until the androids appear."

"Really" Gohan said "I'm not sick."

But regardless of whatever the boy said, his "allergies" got worse throughout the afternoon. He did a pretty good job of hiding it but Goku did throw him a few suspicious glances. Gohan silently came to realize that he had all the symptoms of a cold. The thought terrified him, what if dad caught it? It could weaken his immune system and speed up that heart disease the guy from the future had told them about.

Finally the training day ended and Gohan and Goku went home. Chi Chi was staying with Bulma for a few days and Piccolo chiefly slept in the woods, so it was just the two of them. Goku glanced at his son and noted how red his face was.

"Gohan" he inquired "Wanna take a bath before supper?" A bath sounded wonderful; relaxing in the hot water with Dad would feel great but he'd probably just make the man ill.

"Uh, not now Dad" Goku noticed how stopped up he sounded "Mom left me some homework, I'd better get to it."

That was all Goku needed to hear to know his son was sick. Gohan enjoyed learning but to volunteer to study when Chi Chi was away?! He let Gohan vanish into his room and began to think. Was the boy actually distancing himself from his father? Goku was trying to figure out why but then it hit him. Gohan was worried about the heart disease that was supposed to kill him! Goku suffered from mixed emotions; he wanted to respect Gohan's motives but was not about to let him go through this alone. He made up his mind and got to work on supper.

Gohan really was trying to do his homework but his nose had other ideas. The tissues were already piling up and he felt like he'd been trampled by a herd of elephants. He heard a knock at the door and turned to see Goku carrying a tray with chicken soup and hot tea.

"Here you go! A nice hot supper for a not so good liar."

"Huh, what did I lie about?"

Goku sat the tray down and said "I know that you're sick Gohan. But don't worry cuz we'll get through this together. Now eat your soup, I don't think I botched it too badly.

He ruffled Gohan's hair and left the room. Gohan stared at the soup but didn't touch it. This wasn't going to work, Dad would insist upon taking care of him regardless of his own health. Gohan stood up, grabbed his rucksack, and began to pack.

Goku was getting dressed after a nice, long bath. He was trying to plan the next day; he and Piccolo would have to spar near the house in case Gohan needed anything. As he thought of Gohan he decided to check on him. Goku peeked into the room and felt his jaw drop. Gohan wasn't there! Goku searched the whole house, calling for him. Finally he concluded that his son was gone. Goku adored that boy but right now he wanted to strangle him. He took a few calming breaths and began his search.

Gohan was sitting on a log deep in the woods trying to catch his breath. He had decided to make the Turtle House his refuge for the time being but the journey was taking a lot more effort than usual. He sneezed several times and shivered. He was cold and his headache was reaching new levels of pain but he refused to put Dad in danger. He could now feel himself falling asleep. No he must get to shelter! He tried to open his eyes but just felt sleepier. He dreamed that he was being carried by strong, familiar arms.

Gohan was suddenly conscious of lying in his bed with extra blankets added. He turned his head and started laughing; Goku was sitting by his bed and he had a scarf wrapped around the lower half of his head. His nose and mouth were completely covered and it looked rather silly.

"Dad, what the heck...!?"

"I'm trying not to breathe your germs" Goku's muffled voice answered "Isn't that why you left?" Gohan nodded and Goku said "I appreciate it but don't you ever do that again!"

"I'm sorry Dad. I was afraid that if you caught my cold your immune system might too weak to take on that virus. If that had happened it would be like I killed you! I couldn't stand the very thought of that happening."

Goku's eyes softened and he gently stroked his son's hair. "Gohan you couldn't help getting sick and I'd rather face a hundred diseases than be separated from you in your time of need. But I will wear this get up if it makes you feel better and I even took some vitamins after bringing you back."

Gohan laughed again and said "Maybe we should call Mom tomorrow and let her help."

"Nah, let's let her enjoy her little vacation. Besides I need to show her that I can be a responsible father."

"I think you're a great father!"

"Thanks" he stood up and said "Now you get some sleep and be ready to eat a nice big breakfast in the morning."

Goku was at the door when Gohan said "Hey."

Goku turned and asked "Hey what?"

Gohan smiled and said "I love you Daddy."

"And I love you Gohan. Good night." Gohan settled in under the covers and drifted into a peaceful sleep.